Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Rechargeables

1. Can NiMH batteries be used in any device that takes alkaline batteries?
2. Do Rayovac NiMH batteries need to be charged right out of the package before using them?
3. Are Rayovac NiMH batteries available in all sizes?
4. How many times can Rayovac's high-capacity NiMH batteries be recharged?
5. Do NiMH batteries have to be fully drained before recharging? Do they have "memory"?
6. What about the new "super-premium" alkaline batteries like Duracell Ultra and Energizer e2? Won't they last as long in high-drain devices like digital cameras?
7. Why shouldn't you mix old batteries with new ones?
8. The batteries get hot during charging. Is this okay?
9. How long does it take to charge batteries with the car adaptor?
10. Can I leave my batteries in the charger after they have been charged?

15-Minute Rechargeables

1. How does the new 15-Minute Rechargeable system work?
2. What is the significance of the new technology?
3. How do Rayovac 15-Minute Rechargeable batteries compare to the best batteries available today?
4. How will I know when my 15-Minute Rechargeable batteries are charged?
5. Will the new 15-Minute charger charge C, D and 9-Volt rechargeable batteries?
6. Can I use the Rayovac 15-Minute charger in other countries?
7. Don't consumers prefer single-use batteries?

Basic Rechargeables

Yes, you can use the comparable NiMH battery size in any device that uses alkaline batteries. For example, if you typically use AA alkaline batteries, you can use AA NiMH also. However, NiMH batteries perform best in high-drain devices that use a great deal of battery power. These would include items like digital cameras, handheld TVs, two-way radios and personal organizers. For low-drain devices, such as pagers, handheld calculators, remote controls and flashlights, Rayovac Alkaline is the best choice. NiMH should never be used in smoke or carbon monoxide detectors!
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Yes, Rayovac NiMH batteries are not fully charged upon purchase, so you should charge them before use.
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Rayovac offers NiMH batteries in AA, AAA, 9-volt, C and D sizes. The C and D sizes can be charged in the Rayovac Universal Battery Charger, PS3.
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They can be recharged up to 500 times! That is why using Rayovac's NiMH can result in significant cost savings over any alkaline on the market.
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No. There are none of the memory problems with NiMH that you have with NiCd, for example. They can be recharged after a few hours of use or when convenient. If batteries have been stored for more than 1 month, recharge before using to maximize power.
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No. There is no alkaline battery that can meet the power demands of high-tech devices like digital cameras as well as a high-capacity NiMH battery can.
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The performance of a battery-operated product is limited by the weakest of all the batteries in the device. One old or weak battery can cause poor product performance even if all the others are new or fully charged.
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Yes. The batteries will get hot during charging but will cool quickly after recharging. This is a normal occurrence and no cause for concern. The unit is equipped with a sensor that will shut off the unit if it gets too hot. This built-in safety feature prevents overheating.
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The batteries recharge just as fast when using the car adaptor in 2-4 hours with the current home and auto charger.
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After charging, you may leave NiMH batteries in the Charger until you are ready to use them. A "trickle charge" maintenance current will keep the batteries topped off - completely charged and ready to use.
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15-Minute Rechargeables

The I-C3 technologyT (In-Cell Charge Control) used in the 15-Minute Rechargeable System allows unsurpassed charging speed due to the system's ability to control the internal cell pressure. With currently available technology, expensive smart electronics must be built into the fast chargers to monitor voltage and temperature and avoid excessive pressure build-up. With I-C3 technology, the batteries will control internal pressure. This breakthrough will now allow faster charging.
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The 15-Minute Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery and charger System represents a technological breakthrough that will provide several benefits, including:

• Unsurpassed charging time - 15 minutes or less
• Last up to three times longer than alkaline in a digital camera. Batteries can be charged up to 500 times

In digital cameras, the new Rayovac 15-Minute Rechargeable NiMH AA size batteries will last up to three times longer than an alkaline AA size battery and more than any comparable size lithium ion battery, based on current American National Standards Institute (ANSI) battery tests.
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An LED light will go out when the batteries in the charger have been recharged. The charger will automatically shut off when batteries are fully charged.
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Not at this time.
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Yes, the Rayovac 15 minute charger can be used in other countries on 220V with an adapter for the outlet.
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For certain uses, consumers do prefer single-use batteries. That is partially attributable, however, to the relative inconvenience represented by the long recharging times. Consumers will find that, with a 15-minute recharging time, the advantages of batteries featuring I-C3 technology will make Rayovac's next-generation NiMH batteries indispensable for high-power, high-drain devices like digital cameras.
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